Bellevue voted this week to raise the amount fined for curfew violations for minors.
The amendment reads that for a minor’s first violation, the parent or guardian will be fined $25. The parent or guardian will be fined $100 for each subsequent offense. The city ordinance previously read that parents are fined $50 for a second offense, $75 for a third offense, $100 for a fourth offense and any incidents after the fourth offense.
Bellevue Police Chief Jon McClain said the curfew ordinance incentivizes parents to keep their kids in after hours.
The first reading of the ordinance change was held at the July 12 city council meeting. The council unanimously voted to pass the changes at its Aug. 9 meeting without further discussion.
At the July 12 meeting, McClain said enforcing the ordinance would use “common sense policing.” There are stipulations in the law that cover juveniles returning from work, a school or religious activity, etc., that would make them exempt from the ordinance.
According to the ordinance for those under 18, the curfew is Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. Friday and Saturday, the hours are between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m.